Recently in our modern world, going vegan is almost perceived as a new “trend.” This may lead to many people wanting to go vegan just because it sounds cool, but not actually knowing the unique power it holds. Beyond our health, going plant-based vegan is also crucial for the greater wellbeing of our planet.

 

So why is going vegan beneficial for the planet you may be wondering?

 

Well, going plant- based will:

 

• Reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

The truth is food production coming from animals contributes to the rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions which cause pollution. According to the University of Oxford, going vegan could reduce greenhouse gas emissions coming from food, by up to 50%. 

 

• Reduce land use.

Most land is actually used to raise cattle and future meat products, when we go vegan we no longer consume & demand our industries to produce these products, therefore allowing for more open spaces for nature to breathe & grow.

 

• Avoid wildlife loss through deforestation.

Going vegan doesn’t just protect animals because you aren’t eating them, it actually protects their habitats by lowering levels of deforestation. This also benefits our greater ecosystem which is essential for the basic functioning of our world.

 

• Improve your natural habitat.

Cultivating more plants instead of animal habitats enriches, instead of removing, nutrients from the soil. This maintains the natural fertility of the ground and means less polluting by-products than in animal agriculture.

 

Awesome, that’s great for the planet – but what about your body?

 

Here are some ways that going vegan can improve the holistic health of your life:

 

• Lowers the risk of diseases in the long-term.

Especially when it comes to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, as eating less animal products means less chemicals in your food. Additionally eating plant-based lowers blood sugar levels, improves kidney function, increases insulin sensitivity & lowers the risk of heart disease.

 

• Encourages you to eat healthier.

Going vegan increases your intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, fruits, and proteins from natural sources, making it a no-brainer when selecting healthier whole food options.

 

• Encourages you to cook actual homemade meals.

Being plant-based means you have to make a little bit more of an effort when it comes to preparing your food, but guess what? This is actually the key to a healthier diet, having to cook your meals from A-Z means you’re eating less food with preservatives and artificial ingredients.

 

• Greater richness in specific nutrients.

Eating plant-based food makes for a higher daily intake of certain beneficial nutrients such as: fiber, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E. 

 

• Protects against cancers.

According to the World Health Organization, 1/3 of all cancers can be avoided by lifestyle factors such as diet. Research suggests that eating 7 portions of fresh fruits and vegetables a day can lower your risk of cancer by up to 15%.

 

Being vegan means eating more of these fruits & veggies, justifying a study that concluded vegans may benefit from a 15% decreased risk of getting cancer.

 

We hope this blog post has given you a holistic perspective of why integrating a more plant-based diet can be better for our world as a whole as well as  your health. 

 

If you’re looking to integrate fun plant-based recipes into your diet download our free vegan challenge recipe book here: https://koyawebb.com/veganchallenge